When the weather turns dreary, there's nothing like a warm reading lamp to whisk you away to brighter places. In any season, Frederick County Public Libraries is a warm, welcoming environment where you can expand your horizons and learn more about your own community and beyond.

We invite you to a variety of programs throughout the winter to keep kids of all ages engaged in learning. If the weather prevents you from travelling to our locations, don't forget our busiest branch is online at fcpl.org. You'll find a wealth of information as well as fun, educational eBooks for kids.

In the event that this newsletter was forwarded to you by a friend and you would like to continue to receive information about library programs, services, and events, we invite you to sign up here for our email newsletter.

Join Frederick County Public Libraries, the Fort Detrick Alliance, and BINK the Robot to get your 1-5 graders excited about STEM! The Think with BINK program invites a visiting scientist from the Fort Detrick Alliance to teach children all about STEM each month. Children's Services Supervisor Janet Vogel says, "What better way to get children excited about STEM careers than to spend time with practicing scientists?"

Our topic for December is: Why Do Animals?Have you ever looked at an elephant and wondered why they have such a funny looking nose, or why animals have tails, or are amazed by how your dog knows when you open the jar of peanut butter in the kitchen when he/she is in the basement?

While we often wonder about why animals look the way they do and act the way they act, science can offer great insights into answering these questions. Join the fun as we explore through science some of the fascinating and incredible traits and talents of our furry and feathered friends and maybe even start to understand why they are so amazing.

Think with BINK programs are free, but we ask you to register so that we're sure to have enough space for everyone. To register, click on the appropriate date above.

For information and upcoming topics, visit fcpl.org.

Sponsored by: Fort Detrick Alliance and Frederick County Public Libraries

BIG THINGS TO COME

Delve into a whole new STEAMy world at the C. Burr Artz Public Library's New Discovery Zone

Those who have recently visited the C. Burr Artz Public Library may have noticed some changes afoot in the Children's Department. Over the last month all of the materials in the department have found new homes, making the department easier to browse, and a new baby play area has been created with fun new, child-sized bookshelves. But these changes are just a taste of exciting things to come thanks to funding from grants and the C. Burr Artz Trust.

Within the next few months part of the Children's Department will be transformed into a new interactive area, currently referred to as the Discovery Zone. This area is unique and the first of its kind in the local area. Museum-quality interactive panels for children 0-5 will provide hands-on learning with children and caregivers together. The unique and fun panels allow children to use their creativity to its fullest, exploring fun STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) concepts.

Two interactive touch pads and one interactive touch table for little ones will be installed. These will be loaded with exciting multiplayer educational games children that focus on STEAM concepts.

The next time you stop by the C. Burr Artz Public Library, take a look at the Children's Department to see all of the exciting things that are happening. And make sure to stop by in a few months to check out the new touch pads and table with your little one. You can even try them out yourself, we promise not to judge, we all are kids at heart after all.

Submitted by Stephanie Long

C. Burr Artz Public Library

SPANISH STORYTIME AT FCPL

Recent studies show that the best time for a child to learn a second language, especially in developing authentic pronunciation, is in the first three to four years of life. And since the U.S. is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, right after Mexico (37 million people ages 5 and older in the U.S. speak Spanish at home) learning Spanish is certainly a logical choice.

Frederick County Public Libraries is pleased to support Spanish language learning by offering a special storytime in Spanish presented by Cynthia Fraga-Canadas from Mount St. Mary's University. A gifted natural teacher with three young (and bilingual!) children of her own, Ms. Cynthia provides a delightful program each month at the Thurmont Regional Library to children ages 2-5, that includes a variety of songs, dance, games, and stories-all in Spanish. Registration is required. Register online by clicking on the dates below or call 301-600-7200.

"Hola! I love the Library and this is my way to give back. I believe growing up bilingual is essential in such a diverse world, especially with the increase of the Spanish-speaking population in this country. Doing Spanish Storytime is my chance to spark interest for the language and culture of my heart! If a parent out there grew up speaking a different language other than English and that language and culture is still close to his/her heart, please don't hesitate to use it day in and day out with your children! The sooner the better and it can be done!"

Submitted by Lesa Zuke

Thurmont Regional Library

BEST BOOKS OF 2013

Selected by FCPL staff

Some are new; some are old favorites; all are great stories! Enjoy! And a happy, safe, and healthy winter season to you and yours.

Several of the Frederick County Public Libraries are home to permanent art collections and Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center Satellite Galleries featuring the work of local artists. Art in the galleries includes watercolors and oil paintings, sculpture, drawings, collages, and found object installations. These galleries offer patrons of all ages the opportunity to experience and interact with art every day.

How can you talk to your children about art?

Ask questions: What do you see? What is going on in this [painting, drawing, sculpture]? What do you recognize? What title would you give it?

Be open to their answers and comments. Ask follow-up questions.

Encourage children to be inspired by what they see and make their own art.

Have all kinds of materials available for your children to create art, such as: paper, sketchbooks, pencils, markers, crayons, paint, clay, cardboard, glue, recyclables, and collected objects.

Look for local programs and classes to expand your children's art education and appreciation.